Enter our Summer Visual Art Showcase

Celebrate creativity and share your artistic vision in our annual Summer Visual Art Showcase! This is your chance to showcase your paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, digital art, and more.

With no set theme this year, the possibilities are endless! Explore any subject, style, or medium that inspires you. Experiment, innovate, and let your creativity shine!

Webpage coming soon: https://www.newlenoxlibrary.org/artcontest

Summer Visual Art Showcase

• Submissions Accepted: Starting July 1
• Artwork Must Be Received: By July 31
• Gallery Exhibition: From August 5 – August 25
• Gallery Reception: Thursday, August 27 at 6:00pm; Meeting Room AB

The Library will display your art through the month of August. Please make arrangements to pick up your art after the Art Gallery & Reception on Thursday, August 27. Art must be retrieved by 4 pm on Friday, September 4. Unclaimed art will not be stored at the library.

• Open to teens entering 9th Grade - 12th Grade and Adults age 18+.
• The artwork must be original. All submissions must be your own original concept, design, construction, and execution. It may not be a copy of anyone else's copyrighted material. This includes unauthorized derivative work such as reproductions and tracings. You must be the creator of the artwork that is submitted to the contest.
• In light of the evolving understanding of AI generated art and the ambiguity regarding its copyright, any artwork that relies heavily on generative fill, is a tracing, redraw or reproduction of an AI generated image or is entirely AI generated is prohibited. Digital images and photographs may be altered or manipulated, but you must be the originator or have obtained the proper permissions. If your image infringes upon another's copyright, it will be disqualified.
• Entry forms must be legibly completed, signed, and turned in with the artwork. Submissions by a minor must include a parent or guardian’s signature.

Entry Process

Complete the entry form and return it with your submission to the Adult & Teen Services desk on the 2nd floor of the Library.

• All submissions must be received by 4 pm on Friday, July 31 2026.
• You must be entering 9th–12th Grade or be an Adult to be eligible.
• All submissions should be dropped off at the Adult & Teen Services desk on the 2nd floor.
• A completed form must be turned in at the time of submission. Entries without accompanying forms will not be accepted.
• Only 1 submission per individual can be entered.

Art Guidelines

• Any original medium will be accepted, including, but not limited to, sculpture, photography, watercolor, chalk, digital art, ink, etc.
• Wall & 2D Pieces: Finished pieces must be no larger than 12"x 16" including any frame or backing.
• 3D items must be no larger than 1 ft x 1 ft x 1 ft and able to sit level on a shelf.
• The art/object must be gallery ready. Unframed artwork should be mounted onto matte board or other sturdy background within the size limitations. 3D objects should be able to sit level on a shelf or arrive with an appropriate stand, plinth, or display case within the size perimeters. Framed artwork should be able to sit level on a shelf.
• Artwork should be practical for a space that is open and available to the public. Please avoid submitting items that are too fragile, sharp, or small to be safe in such an environment. Understand the library does not assume responsibility for loss of or damage to your artwork or frames.
• Artwork must be “appropriate,” as it will be displayed in the library building. The library reserves the right to reject work deemed unsuitable for display in the library building.
• Artwork must not have been submitted to a previous Visual Art Showcase at the New Lenox Library.

Judging Criteria

• Craftsmanship & Technique
• Creativity & Originality Personal Voice
• Guideline Adherence

• Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries.
• Prizes and certificates must be picked up in person and will not be mailed.
• Entries accepted only within the United States.